A directory of chilli festivals in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Meet Sean Mullen: Guitar Virtuoso, Satriani Tribute Legend, and Chilli Fest's Secret Sauce

Date Published: 28/01/2026

Sean Mullen with Satriani guitar

When Chilli Heat Meets Six-String Fire

You know what makes a chilli festival truly unforgettable? Sure, it’s the incredible hot sauces, the fiery food challenges, and the amazing community of spice lovers. But there’s something else that takes our events from great to absolutely legendary, and that something is live music that absolutely shreds.

Enter Sean Mullen. If you’ve ever attended one of Scarlett Habanero’s epic chilli festivals, you’ve probably found yourself completely mesmerised by the incredible guitar work filling the air between bites of superhot goodness. That’s Sean doing what he does best, melting faces with his phenomenal guitar skills while you’re busy trying not to melt your own face with Carolina Reapers!

Sean isn’t just any guitarist. He’s widely regarded as one of the most virtuosic guitarists in Australia, and he’s built a passionate following as the country’s premier Satriani Tribute artist. If you know anything about Joe Satriani, the legendary instrumental rock guitarist, you know that paying tribute to his work requires serious technical chops and genuine musical soul. Sean delivers both in spades.

The Man Behind the Music

So who exactly is Sean Mullen? Well, besides being an absolute wizard on the guitar, he’s also Scarlett Habanero’s husband and her partner in crime when it comes to organising Australia’s most exciting chilli festivals. It’s a pretty perfect match when you think about it: Scarlett brings the heat with her incredible event planning and passion for all things spicy, while Sean brings the fire with his jaw-dropping musical performances.

Together, they’ve created something really special. Every chilli festival organised by Scarlett features Sean’s incredible live performances, giving patrons a full sensory experience that goes way beyond just food. You’re not just tasting amazing chillies and hot sauces: you’re being serenaded by world-class instrumental rock music that perfectly complements the electric atmosphere of the events.

Beyond the stage, Sean co-pilots festival event management with Scarlett (think talent curation, stage scheduling, and on-the-day production), and he also performs as half of the Body & Soul music duo. For more on Sean’s music projects, head to Body & Soul Music — you’ll find his artist profile and the Satriani Tribute there, plus fresh updates!

“It’s all about creating an experience,” is the philosophy that drives everything they do. And honestly? It works brilliantly. There’s something magical about wandering through stalls of artisan hot sauces and superhot chilli products while face-melting guitar solos float through the air. It’s an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else!

What Makes Sean’s Playing So Special?

Close-up of Sean Mullen’s virtuosic technique—fast runs, tapping and legato—capturing the precision and intensity of his Satriani Tribute show.

Let’s talk about why Sean Mullen has earned his reputation as one of Australia’s finest guitarists. If you’re familiar with Joe Satriani’s music, you know it’s incredibly demanding technically. We’re talking about complex melodic lines, lightning-fast runs, creative use of effects, and: most importantly: genuine emotional expression through the instrument.

Playing Satriani’s music isn’t just about hitting the right notes (though that’s certainly part of it!). It’s about capturing the spirit of the songs, the way they soar and dive, the way they can make you feel everything from pure joy to deep contemplation. Sean has dedicated years to mastering this style, and it shows in every performance.

His playing combines:

  • Technical precision that would make music school professors weep with joy
  • Emotional depth that connects with audiences on a genuine level
  • Stage presence that commands attention without being over the top
  • Versatility that allows him to read the crowd and adjust his performance accordingly

Whether you’re a serious music nerd who appreciates the technical aspects of virtuoso guitar playing or you’re someone who just knows when music sounds amazing, Sean’s performances have something for you.

Sydney Superhot: Don’t Miss This One!

If you haven’t yet experienced Sean Mullen’s guitar magic in person, the upcoming Sydney Superhot festival is your perfect opportunity! This is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most exciting chilli events on the Australian calendar, and of course, Sean will be there bringing his signature sound to the festivities.

Picture this: You’re sampling some of the hottest chillies known to humanity, chatting with fellow spice enthusiasts, discovering new favourite hot sauces from incredible vendors, and all the while, incredible instrumental rock music is creating the perfect soundtrack to your day. That’s the Sydney Superhot experience, and Sean’s performances are absolutely central to making it happen.

The Sydney Superhot is going to feature everything you love about chilli festivals and then some. We’re talking about:

  • 31 Amazing chilli vendors with products ranging from mild and flavourful to absolutely nuclear
  • 3 eating challenges for those brave enough to test their limits
  • A fantastic community of chilli lovers from beginners to seasoned superhot veterans
  • And of course, world-class live music from Sean Mullen himself!

Head over to My Chilli Festival to get all the details about upcoming events and make sure you don’t miss out. You’ll catch Sean rocking the stage at Scarlett’s events — and, of course, at Sydney Superhot!

Follow Sean’s Musical Journey

Here’s the great news for fans: you don’t have to wait until the next chilli festival to enjoy Sean’s incredible guitar work! He maintains active presences on both YouTube and Facebook where he shares performances, behind-the-scenes content, and connects with his growing fanbase.

His YouTube channel is an absolute treasure trove for guitar enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for incredible Satriani covers, original material, or just want to watch a master at work, there’s plenty of content to keep you entertained. It’s also a great way to get a taste of what you can expect when you see him perform live at one of Scarlett’s events.

On Facebook, Sean keeps fans updated on upcoming performances, shares clips from recent shows, and engages with his community of followers. If you’ve seen him perform at a chilli festival and want to stay connected, giving his page a follow is definitely the way to go!

The Perfect Partnership

There’s something really beautiful about how Sean and Scarlett have combined their passions to create such unique events. Scarlett’s expertise in event organisation and her genuine love for the chilli community pairs perfectly with Sean’s musical talents and performance experience. They complement each other brilliantly, and it shows in the quality of every festival they put together.

It’s not just a business partnership: it’s a genuine team effort built on shared values and mutual support. When you attend one of their events, you can feel that energy. There’s a warmth and authenticity that comes through in everything from the vendor selection to the entertainment to the overall atmosphere.

Why Live Music Matters at Food Festivals

Some people might wonder why live music is so important at a chilli festival. After all, isn’t it really about the food? Well, yes and no. Of course the incredible chilli products, hot sauces, and spicy foods are the main attraction. But great events engage all your senses, and music plays a crucial role in setting the mood and creating lasting memories.

Think about your favourite experiences at festivals, markets, or community events. Chances are, the atmosphere and entertainment played a big part in making those memories special. That’s exactly what Sean brings to every chilli festival: an extra layer of magic that transforms a great event into an unforgettable one.

Come Experience It Yourself!

If you’re a chilli lover, a music fan, or ideally both, you owe it to yourself to experience a Scarlett Habanero event with Sean Mullen performing live. It’s a combination you simply won’t find anywhere else in Australia, and it’s a huge part of what makes My Chilli Festival events so special.

Check out the events calendar to find upcoming festivals near you, and don’t forget to follow Sean on YouTube and Facebook to stay updated on his musical journey. We can’t wait to see you at Sydney Superhot: bring your appetite for heat and your ears ready for some absolutely incredible guitar work!